MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) – The University of Minnesota men’s cross country team has added the UC Riverside Invitational to the 2014 campaign schedule, Director of Men’s Track & Field and Cross Country Steve Plasencia announced today.

The Gophers will head to Riverside, Calif., for the event on Saturday, Sept. 13. The 8,000 meter race will be held at the UCR Agricultural Operations Course with 100-year old orange groves and eucalyptus trees lining the running path. The UC Riverside course is 85% flat with a few rolling hills.

Minnesota opens the 2014 season on Friday, Sept. 5 with the Oz Memorial at Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, Minn. Following the meet in California the next week, the Maroon & Gold then return home for the 29th Annual Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 27, also at Les Bolstad Golf Course.